|
Area |
Health Science |
|
Lab name |
Legionella Reference Laboratory |
|
Lab location |
Kenepuru Science Centre, Porirua |
|
Test name |
Legionella IFA test |
|
Organisms |
Legionella species |
|
Turnaround time |
5 working days |
|
Requested for surveillance |
yes |
|
Notice required |
no |
|
Sample requirements |
Paired serum samples (at least 500 μL samples) – initial taken within seven day of onset of symptoms (acute serum), second taken at least 3 weeks after the initial sample (convalescent serum) |
|
Pre-transport requirements |
Send serum samples immediately. If shipping is delayed for more than 48 hours, store frozen at -20°C. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing of serum, as this will decrease the antibody titre. |
|
Transport requirements |
Send at 5 ± 3°C within 24 hours or -20°C within 24 hours. |
|
Unacceptable sample types |
Haemolysed serum; single serum samples |
|
How results reported |
Positive or negative for the detection of anti-legionella antibodies |
|
Referral link |